Table 2 Partner strategiesa with large differences in endorsement between panels
Strategy | Endorsed by consumers as “Essential” or “Important” (%) | Endorsed by professionals as “Essential” or “Important” (%) | Difference (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
• If their partner is experiencing problems with anxiety, partners should encourage them to consider taking supplements such as magnesium and calcium, as these are effective in reducing anxiety | 71.4 | 33.3 | 38.1 |
• If their partner is resistant to going out, partners should think of things that they can do together in the home that give them a break from parenting, e.g., board games, watching a movie | 95.2 | 67.6 | 27.6 |
• Partners should be aware that there is very little they can do to help the child-bearing mother during labor | 47.6 | 20.5 | 27.1 |
• Partners should help with the cleaning | 90.5 | 63.9 | 26.6 |
• Partners should help with housework before having to be asked by the primary caregiver | 95.2 | 69.4 | 25.8 |
• Partners should try to get outdoors together with the baby as much as possible | 90.5 | 64.7 | 25.8 |
• Partners should help the primary caregiver with preparing meals, e.g., food shopping, cooking, clearing the table | 90.5 | 66.7 | 23.8 |
• Partners who are working should telephone their partner from work, or drop in for lunch occasionally if they work close to home | 76.2 | 52.9 | 23.2 |
• Partners should monitor each other for withdrawal or change in mood | 85.7 | 62.5 | 23.2 |
• If their partner is experiencing depression, partners should also seek professional help for themselves | 85.7 | 62.5 | 23.2 |
• Partners should be prepared to listen even if they feel that they are hearing the same things over and over | 100.0 | 76.9 | 23.1 |
• Partners should challenge negative thinking by pointing out situations or tasks that their partner has handled well | 95.2 | 74.3 | 21.0 |
• Partners should set aside quiet time to spend together while the baby is sleeping, even if it is only for 10 min | 100.0 | 79.4 | 20.6 |